Farming implement.



No.'718.226. PATBNTED JAN. 13,1903. w. B. SMITH.

FARMING IMPLEMENT.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 5, 1901.

Ho MODEL.

WITNESS9ES! w fig/ENTOR M I WK ATTORNEYS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WVILLIAM BIRTON SMITH, OF STACY, TEXAS.

FARMlNG IMPLEMENT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 718,226, dated January'13, 1903.

Application filed September 5, 1901. Serial No. 74,863. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM BIRTON SMITH, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Stacy, county of McCulloch, and State of Texas, have invented certain new and useful Improvementsin Farming Implements, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof, in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

This invention relates to farming implements, and has for its object to provide an efficient device of this character embodying a plurality of tools in one general structure comprising separable and interchangeable parts, whereby economy and general utility are efiected.

The invention will be hereinafter fully described, and specifically set forth in the annexed claim.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, Figure l is a plan view of my improved device, showing the same as in the shape of a hoe; Fig. 2, a side elevation, partly in section. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the hoe-blade removed from the handle. Fig. 4. is a rear elevation thereof. Fig. 5 is a rear elevation illustrating my invention as applied to a garden-rake.

In the practice of my invention I may use anynumber of implementsin connection with but one handle,;the blades being detachably connected with the handle. In the drawings I have shown one style of hoe and one style of garden-rake; but it is obvious that I may employ any number of similar implements.

Referring to the drawings, A designates a metallic stock, which has a tapering recess in its inner end to engage the wooden handle B, which is securely held to the stock by means of the rivet b. In the outer end of the stock A is an opening a, which is square in crosssection. This opening engages a square rod 0, which forms part of the hoe-blade C, or which may have a rake, as O forming part thereof, if desired, as I do not confine myself specifically to any implement. Surrounding the rod 0 near the outer end thereof is a collar c, which fits snugly against the end of the stock A to tightly close the opening a and prevent dirt from entering therein. In the upper surface of the rod 0 is a socket c, which engages a screw D, employed to lock the rod 0 within the opening a of the stock A. This screw is threaded through a post a, f0rming part of the stock A.

Asa means for turning the screw I employ a thumb-nut E, which embodies the'head e,

position.

In the operation "and use ofthe device the square rods 0 snugly fit the opening a, and the lower, end of the screw 'D securely engages the socket c, which maintains secure connection between the-parts. When it is desired toremove the blade, it is simply necessary to bend the arm E upwardly at its free end until the lug e is out of engagement with the socket a and then swing said arm in the direction of the arrow 1 until the screw D is out of engagementwith the socket c, whereupon the blade can readily be removed and a blade of any suitable form may besubstituted, whereby I have a convenient and economical implement embodying separable parts adapted for various uses.

I do not confine myself to the exact details ofmechanical construction asherein shown and described, as it is obvious that-under the scope of my invention I am entitled to slight structural changes.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

In a farming implement, the combination, with the stock having the squared opening, and thumb-screw embodying the screw and spring-arm, of the blade having the squared rod with the socket thereinfor engaging the said screw, substantially scribed.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name, in presence of two witnesses, this 9th day of August,

WILLIAM BIRTON SMITH. Witnesses:

JAMES 'A. MUsIoK, EDMUND KELLETT.

as shown and de- 

